The Travel Bug

22 February 2017

Awesome Reasons To Visit South India

The vast majority of tourists to India head to the northern territories, where they find the incredible Taj Mahal and the rest of the Golden Triangle that is always such a popular draw. But for those looking for something different, why not head south? Explorers and travelers who want to see the real India, away from the general tourist traps, will find a lot on offer in the south, and I’m going to go through a few of the key attractions you should check out. Let’s get started right away.

Goa

Goa is a popular destination for party animals from all over the world, and for very good reasons. It’s one of the best places on the planet for nightlife, and its psychedelic beach parties are the stuff of legend. However, anyone going to Goa should take some time out from the 24-hour partying and explore the wider environment. As an old Portuguese colony, the cities of Old Goa and Panaji are perfect for exploring, and provide visitors with a beautiful mix of Indian and Mediterranean cultural influences. Some of the ancient churches and cathedrals are now on the UNESCO World Heritage list, so well worth checking out.

The temples

According to West Nature Cottages, southern Indian destinations such as Ooty and Tamil Nadu are great places for finding some spirituality on your trip to India. Many honeymooners head to these locations to enjoy the vast array of Hindu temples and the gorgeous natural environment they all inhabit. In fact, it’s fair to say that you won’t see a town or city without dozens of temples, and some of them are truly spectacular. Make sure you head down to Madurai, too, to check out the incredible Meenakshi Amman temple that is an amazing feat of architecture from ancient times.

The beaches

If you want to have a laze on a beautiful Indian beach, head south - but avoid the more traditional areas such as Goa, Varkala, and Kovalam. Instead, explore further afield and head to Pondicherry or the Marina Beach in Chennai. Both beaches are beautiful places that offer the ultimate in relaxation - to almost spiritual levels. Watching the sun go down behind the sea while drinking chai is one of life’s most remarkable experiences - don’t miss out!

Wildlife

Wildlife lovers tend to choose Africa, but there is much to enjoy in South India, too - perhaps more than you might think. Tigers are, of course, the biggest draw for most people, although they tend to be incredibly elusive and hard to spot, even when traveling with a guide. Leopards are common, however, as are Asiatic elephants and the fantastic sambar and gaur. The Indian safari can be just as spectacular as its African cousin, so head south and experience one for yourself.

The locals

Finally, you can expect a warm welcome from South Indian locals, who always tend to be full of smiles and offers of help. Being offered hospitality from complete strangers is common, and even if you are a shy type, it won’t take much for the locals to get you talking!

20 February 2017

European Cities: Tips To Ensure You See The Best Of The Best

One of the best things about Europe is the fantastic cities that are situated on the continent. In fact, travelers visit from far and wide to see everything the cities has to offer. After all, they have a wealth of culture and sights which leave people amazed. However, when making a trip to one of the cities, it’s so important to ensure you see everything it has to offer. After all, you don’t want to come home feeling disappointed that you never got to see a specific landmark. Therefore, here are some tips you need when visiting a European city so that you see the best of the best during your trip.

Get a guide book

It’s always a good idea to get a guide book whenever you are going to a new destination. For one thing, these books normally include a handy map which will come in useful when trying to hunt down the attractions. Also, the guidebook will give in detail about the particular landmarks and attractions you need to see. In fact, they might mention ones which you have never heard of before. And this will stop you missing out on something which is top class during your trip. You can pick up guidebooks in your local store or online. Just make sure that whichever one you get, it’s not too outdated. After all, you don’t want to make your way to an attraction which doesn’t exist anymore! And make sure you don’t go for a book which is too large. Otherwise, it will weigh you down when you are trying to walk around the city!

Read travelers blogs

You should also get advice from a traveler who has been to the city before. After all, they are going to have some tips and advice about what they experienced. And what they wished they had done differently. You could firstly ask a friend if they have been to the city before. And if you don’t know anyone who has been to the city, you should consider looking online at travelers blogs. They will have some great advice about going to certain cities and what you should do while you are there. For example, you can check out our previous blogs for tips on going to cities like Monaco. And then you will be clued up to have a great trip.

Go on an escorted tour

You might feel a bit blind if you are going to a new city. After all, a lot of the large cities like Rome and Paris can feel like a minefield. And it’s easy to end up not getting to see the best the city has to offer. But if you do need some help, you might want to consider going on an escorted tour. With these tours, they will ensure you see all the major landmarks and attractions. And they can give you a taste of the lifestyle and traditions too while you are there. You will also be around other travelers, and you are bound to meet new friends. And companies like Travelsphere will even organise your flights and hotels, so you don’t have anything to sort!

Befriend a local

Sometimes the best tips about a city can come from a local themselves. After all, they have a wealth of knowledge to ensure you get to see everything the city has to offer. And as well as guiding you to the best attractions, they can tell you about some places to avoid too. After all, you don’t want to end up in danger. Therefore, you should befriend a local to get wised up about a location. You can find people in the local area who are willing to give you tips and advice if you look online before you go. Or head to local restaurants and bars in your resort for friendly staff who will help you to have a great trip!

Book tours online before you go

If you decide to go ahead and plan your trips once you arrive in the city, you might miss out on good attractions and landmarks. After all, you might not know about everything that is available in the city. Therefore, before you go, you should plan out your trip in detail. You can even book tours online which will include particular attractions. That way, you know you will definitely not miss out on anything during your trip. Also, you should consider looking some form of citypass for your destination. A lot of the cities do these, and it will mean you can go to all the major attractions!

And remember to sort your transport before you go. It might be worth getting a ticket to a hop on, hop off bus or boat to ensure you get around the city easily.

19 February 2017

The Ultimate Sailing Packing List

Exciting times for you! You’re going on a sailing trip, off to see the world, to feel the breeze on your face and the salt on your lips. You’re going to be getting your sea legs and spending time on the Big Blue. You’re excited, and rightfully so. You’ve got a lot to look forward to!

If you’ve never sailed (or even if you have), it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to pack. After all, you’re going to be away from your home, away from the conveniences you know, and (gasp!) away from wifi.

Never fear. We’ve got you covered here at Mobox. In this post, we’re going to give you the ultimate sailing packing list. Now, to be clear, this post doesn’t cover the items you need on an extended sailing trip. If you’ll be on the open sea for a significant period of time, you’ll obviously need to pack additional items.

However, if you’re just taking a short holiday aboard a boat, this list is perfect.

Clothes To Pack

Remember, you won’t be washing anything, at least not in the normal sense. You’ll be able to rinse things off in water, but that’s about it. So you need to take enough clothes to cover every situation but not so many clothes that you’re hauling around your closet. Smart choices are the name of the game here.

Before we talk about what to pack, a quick not about how to pack. If possible, avoid using a bulky, square suitcase, simply because they’re difficult to store aboard a sailboat. Space is at a premium and you may be required to stuff your bag into a tight location. Use a soft bag that can get thrown anywhere.

In terms of articles of clothing, you’ll probably want:

● Several pairs of shorts

● Several t-shirts or tank tops.

● A few long sleeve shirts

● Track pants or leggings for cold weather

● Possibly a dress or two (if you’re a woman)

● Enough undergarments for fresh ones each day

● Socks

● At least two bathing suits (so you have one to wear when the other is drying)

● A pair of boat shoes or soft-soled shoes

● Flip flops or sandals

● A pullover, cardigan, or windbreaker

● A hat for keeping off the sun

● Sunglasses

Remember, you’re trying to balance having enough clothes with the ongoing space issues. Obviously, don’t go overboard and bring your ballroom gown or tuxedo, but don’t be a hero either with only a Speedo and a tank top. Unless you actually are a hero. Then you can wear whatever you want.

Toiletries

Depending on your desired level of hygiene, there is some flexibility here. You’re probably going to want to at least pack travel sized:

● Toothbrush

● Toothpaste

● Soap / shampoo

● Deodorant

● Lip balm

● Eye drops (if you’re prone to dry eyes)

● Razor (if you plan on staying clean shaven)

Ladies, if you’re going to hit your period during the trip, make sure to bring tampons too.

Obviously, you can pack more items, such as conditioner and skin moisturizer if you think you need them, but those aren’t really a necessity. If you have long hair, a hairbrush may be important.

Actually, none of these are necessities depending on how you look at it. But seriously, your fellow passengers won’t want to be near you if you neglect toiletries. This isn’t Castaway.

Towels

Quick-drying towels are ideal for sailing. Heavy cotton towels will take hours to dry, if they dry at all. Bring at least two so you have one to use while the other one is drying.

Water Gear

You’ll probably want to bring along your favorite water gear, whether that’s something to float on, a snorkel mask, or even a wetsuit. If you’re going to be doing any fishing, make sure to grab your fishing pole and tackle box.

Electronics

You may want to consider bringing along some portable electronics to help you pass the time. A Kindle reader is great for reading, and a tablet can be helpful if you want to play games or watch a movie (although seriously, do you really want to watch a movie while sailing?).

Make sure to grab a camera or your smartphone for taking pictures, and your GoPro if you want to shoot video.

You probably want to keep all these items in a waterproof bag to ensure they aren’t damaged. Of course, you could purchase an underwater camera so that you don’t need to worry about this.

Also, you’re going to want to bring a portable charging device if you’re taking electronic devices. Otherwise you’ll find yourself in the middle of the sea without any power, much like the Pilgrims when they crossed the Atlantic.

Finally, bring a flashlight or headlamp so that you’re not stumbling around in the dark and/or falling overboard.

Medical Items

The sailboat should have a medical kit onboard but you’ll also want to bring some extra items just in case. Consider bringing:

● Pain relievers

● Seasickness medications

● Prescription medications

● A few bandages

● Mosquito repellent (technically not medical, but you get the point)

● Sunscreen / sunburn lotion

Also bring your emergency contacts and health insurance card. Hopefully these won’t be necessary, but you never know.

This is another category where you need to balance space against possible problems. You certainly don’t want to forget prescription medications, especially if you’ll get wicked withdraw symptoms without them.

You may want to coordinate with other passengers to ensure you both don’t bring the same things, which would take up extra space.

Food

You’re probably going to want to bring along a few snacks, as well as account for any special dietary needs you may have. You’ll also want to bring a few bottles of water for whetting your whistle during the wee hours of the morning.

If you’re going to be sipping on vodka all day, don’t forget your flask.

Miscellaneous Items

There are a variety of things that can be helpful to bring, but probably aren’t necessary. Those items include:

● Earplugs/noise canceling headphones to drown out the sounds of a noisy marina or loud bunkmates. Snoring bunkmates are the worst, right? The headphones will only work if you have a tablet or phone, so keep that in mind.

● Board games or cards can be a great way to pass the time with friends. Just remember that, unlike your home, a boat constantly moves. A board game with hundreds of pieces is probably a mistake, so leave “Risk” at home.

● If you’re going to stopping at marinas, consider bringing some cash to purchase items. If the marina has a casino, consider bringing a suitcase full of unmarked bills. And an entourage of large bodyguards to impress people.

● If you’re the reflective, introspective type, don’t forget your journal. This is also a good item to have if you need to send out a message in a bottle.

● If you’ll making any stops in other countries, you’ll want to bring your passport. You don’t want to be that person who has to stay on the boat.

● If you don’t have a Kindle or tablet, you’ll want to bring a book or two. Just be sure to bring a book that can take some abuse since you’ll be around so much water.

● Binoculars are perfect for spotting whales or dolphins.

● You’re probably going to want to bring a small day bag or fanny pack for carrying around your cash, passport, and any other small items.

Conclusion

The water is calling your name. Adventure awaits you. The high seas (or rivers) have great things in store for you. Just make sure you know what to bring. Life favors the prepared. Those who have done the research and know exactly what lies ahead.

Daria Werbowy said:

Sailing is the closest I can get to nature - it's adrenaline, fear, a constant challenge and learning experience, an adventure into the unknown. And of course there is nothing better than wearing the same T-shirt for days and not brushing my hair for weeks.

We agree with the first part.

This article was originally published on moboxmarine.com’s article “The Ultimate Sailing Packing List” and is re-used with permission.

17 February 2017

Review - Remington Hotel in Resort World Manila

I have promised myself that I would book a room (even for a night) in one of the hotels in the Resort World Manila since the construction was completed few years ago. This resort is located near the Manila International Airport (NAIA Terminal 3). So, it is very convenient to travelers who wish to stay closer to the international airport.

I have finally had the chance to do that during my recent vacation to Manila. I was going back to Dubai ahead of my hubby and I didn't want to stress him by driving me to the airport amidst the holiday rush and traffic, I decided to book an overnight stay in Remington Hotel.

I'm very lucky to have caught a fantastic deal in Booking.com as I got the discounted rate for the standard double room that can accommodate me and my family of 3, who are all grown ups.

What I like:

Clean room

Comfortable beds

Bright room with natural light seeping in from the floor to ceiling glass wall

Free wifi (although the details from the hotel indicated that wifi is only accessible in public spaces, we managed to connect without any issues even inside our room in the 7th floor)

Location is perfect! It is almost in front of the NAIA Terminal 2 airport and is inside the Resorts World Manila complex

Access to the casinos with free 500 credit points awarded to guests which was claimable in the main casino in Resort World Manila

Friendly staff

Free registration to the Resort World Manila membership club with nice incentives

Ground floor has eating establishments and a convenient (7-11) store just outside the hotel

Many lifts for hotel guests to use so no cramming in one elevator car

Free and very frequent airport shuttle for guests and when I had my turn, I was just the sole passenger of a mini-van. Service de luxe!

Many taxis outside the hotel premise and even in the whole of the Resort World Manila complex so if you're commuting, it's easy to get a ride

Well lit lobby and buzzing with people

Air-con working really well

Every floor has enough sitting area or lounges where you can just sit back, relax, read a good book or just sit around

Our room rate came with free breakfast

Free slippers for guests

Near St. Theres's Church, just 5 mins. walk from the hotel

What I don't like:

The bathroom is not very spacious and dimly lit

The room isn't very big

The floor is not carpeted

The free breakfast had limited options from the restaurant's options at the lobby

The queue in the Check in and Check out counter can get long during rush hours like during check in time

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Nearby attraction:

My recommendation:

This property is well situated in Manila, near the international airport. It has many selections of entertainment for the whole family and even for those who are casino enthusiast. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in and outside the hotel premise. Aside from the fact that this is conveniently located almost in front of the airport, there are many taxis plying this route so it is easy to grab a cab and visit the other places in Manila.

Remington Hotel is located at Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay, 1309 Manila, Philippines. It has 712 rooms to offer to guests.

If you are planning a stay in Manila that is just very close by to the airport or wants to enjoy the casinos, you may book in this hotel or find similar hotels within the area:

Booking.comDisclosure:
This hotel review is my personal review. I have paid for this stay and in no way sponsored by the property nor Booking.com. I love to book via Booking.com because I always find a very competitive rate or great deals when compared to other booking sites. My opinion is 100% mine and may vary from yours.

16 February 2017

Single Travel: Tips For Going Solo

If you have never traveled by yourself before, then many people do describe it as an amazing and valuable experience. You might think that it could get a little boring or tedious, but it is the chance to really indulge yourself. You can see the sights that you’d like to see, without the stresses or ideas from other people. There is no catering to other people’s boredom or tastes, so you can take in so much more than you would necessarily. Having said that, going solo can be quite a daunting thought. There can, of course, be concerns of loneliness and perhaps safety. But when it is planned well, you can have an amazing opportunity, save money, and get the most out of your trip. Here are some things to think about if you are planning a trip by yourself.

We do know the old phrase of safety in numbers, so if you are traveling alone, it can be a very real concern. But with forward planning and common sense, it can still be an enjoyable and safe trip for you. First of all, if you are ever planning to take a taxi anywhere, do some forward planning as to how long it should take. Single travelers are the most likely to be literally taken for a ride so that you end up paying more. So plan ahead and then ask the taxi driver for an estimated cost before you set off. There is no need for you to feel in danger or that you’ve been ripped off. But common sense does suggest other things, like keeping in very public places, especially at night. Don’t take back streets or short cuts. Stick where there are lots of other people, and you’ll just blend right in.

With that in mind, don’t make yourself look like an obvious tourist. Having a big flashy camera around your neck or a bright Mickey Mouse t-shirt can just scream tourist. So just wear subtle clothing and avoid having anything flashy or expensive on show. But that works for traveling with anyone really. One other thing is that you should always have an itinerary and give a copy to a friend or family member. Then if anything should happen, they can help to locate whereabouts you might be.

Be Friendly But Not Too Trusting

It is a great idea to be friendly and open when you are traveling.Making friends and going out with people that you’ve just met is great. But again, use some common sense, and you’ll be fine. Don’t go off to homes or locations that aren’t in public. It is also a good idea to avoid giving anyone your bag to hold or any cash or documents. You never know when they might just run off with it!

You can do a lot of your traveling solo, but for some things, it might be a good idea to book a group tour. This is best for main tourist attractions, especially if you do enjoy the company of others. There are many companies, like Just You tours, that arrange tours for those traveling solo. So looking for something like that might be the best idea. Then everyone is in the same boat as you, and it won’t be just you hanging out with lots of couples or families.

Solo Dining

The thought of having to eat out alone can put a lot of people off doing it. It can be quite a daunting task and really put you out of your comfort zone. But it is pretty common to see people dining alone. Business travelers will do it frequently, as well as solo travelers. So it is nothing to be anxious about. It could be a good idea to choose outdoor seating, though, if it is available where you have chosen to eat. So that you can enjoy the view and perhaps some people watching as you dine. It is also a good idea to travel with a book or something else to read in your bag. Then you can just take it out at moments where you feel like you are just staring into space. Get chatting to local people when you eat out, especially the waiting staff. They should have plenty of recommendations for you so be friendly and ask lots of questions.

Have you ever done much solo travel before? What would be your top tips for anyone that is going on a trip alone?

Travel And Decisions: A Big Dilemma Made Simple

Decision, decision: Most people can happily tell you that they’d love a holiday. But when it comes down to picking a destination, it’s surprising that only few individuals know where they want to go. Naturally, everyone has a dream destination, but there is a big difference between planning your dream vacation and taking a break to recharge your batteries. Even, if you plan your holiday in advance, most families face the question of where with a certain reluctance. The world may be your oyster, but there is so much to see that it can sometimes be a little tricky to know where to start. While every travel trip involves a lot of planning, any planning becomes pointless if you don’t even know where you want to go. Here are some ideas to find an answer to your question.

Ask Yourself The Basic Questions

First of all, start with the basics. While this may not help you to find out the best destinations, it can at least be useful to exclude some places from the map. Indeed, it is important to know what you like about your holiday. Some travellers feel very positive about visiting touristic areas, as they assume that the destination will have sufficient tourists’ facilities. It is also a sign of a rich cultural background, which is always appealing. Yet, another type of travellers much prefers to visit remote areas where they can enjoy some peaceful time without queueing behind a crowd of tourists. Another clear decision is to find out whether you prefer the urban dynamism of a city break or the stunning wilderness of a natural vacation. This will help to eliminate regions that are not relevant to your tastes. Finally, focusing on the activities you enjoy, such as skiing or visiting museums, will also give clear indications.

Focus On Administrative Complexity

It’s important to remember that there is more than just a location to your holiday plan. Some countries will require you to provide a thorough documentation of your travel plans. For example, if you choose to visit Russia, you will need to apply for a visa, as it is described here http://www.visitrussia.org.uk/visaform/how-to-obtain-a-russian-visa. Beware, as tourist visas are valid for up to 30 days for example. Obtaining a visa to visit Russia is quite hard work, as contrary to other countries, such as the USA, you will need to submit your passport, your booking forms, and a passport-size photograph. Europe is planning the introduction of an online registration for visitors from countries outside of the EU, read more about it here https://etias.com/. It’s likely to be rolled out in 2020. There is currently no indication of the impact that this will have for UK citizens after Brexit.

Target Places That Match Your Needs

Finally, the last factors to decide on your vacation will be a material aspect. Your budget is naturally key in defining whether you’ll be able to afford this dream trip to a Tropical island, or whether you are sticking to a cottage in rainy Scotland, for instance. Then, depending on the situation of your family, destinations that are children-friendly, and even pet-friendly will be preferred over others. Additionally, it’s worth noting that wheelchair-friendly destinations are more difficult to find.

15 February 2017

Review - Bosign Portable 2-in-1 Tablet Holder & Travel Pillow

For frequent travelers like myself, a part of the important things that I must have when traveling is a good neck pillow. My family and I loves traveling to far away places and being on air for more than half a day is just too much. So, we all make sure that we have our own neck pillows to carry.

I have tried many types of neck pillows before. I have tried the ones with micro bead foams, memory foam, inflatable ones, and even those that are filled with synthetic fibers. So far, the one I have been constantly using is my inflatable one (different brand) which is quite handy and easily tucked inside my handbag. However, I have to give my thumbs up for the Bosign Portable 2-in-1 Tablet Holder and Travel Pillow because it's 2 product in 1!

What I like:

The neck pillow is not too tight on my neck and has a strip with snap to hold it in place.

It serves not only as a neck pillow but also a very small, portable pillow as head support when napping.

(Photo credit: mobilefun.com)

It also serves as a tablet holder or cradle so it gives off that nice angle when place on the lap while on the go.

I like the cute shape and design. It looks like a "tooth" and even if it has a square shape, it still looks sleek not not cumbersome.

It contains micro bead foams so it follows your bag's shape, and contour.

The neck strap aids as a clip to secure it on your luggage handle or bag.

(Photo credit: mobilefun.com)

It is very lightweight.

It is compact.

The outer cover is removable and washable.

The fabric cover has grooves on the side to hold your tablet in place if you want a landscape orientation on the screen.

(Photo credit: mobilefun.com)

You can type easily with both hands as the grooves help the tablet in place so no need to support with your other hand.

I like the dark gray colour of the cover because it's not easily soiled unlike light colored travel pillows that tend to get dirty with few uses.

What I don't like:

Nothing. This compact travel pillow and neck holder in one serves its purpose perfectly.

Specification:

My recommendation:

I give this product a superb rating for serving two purposes at once. Not only that you save money because you get a travel/neck pillow and at the same time, a tablet holder too. I like how compact and lightweight it is so it doesn't make it very cumbersome to bring anywhere I go, be it on a long flight, train ride or road trip with the family. I think my days of using the inflatable neck pillow is over. I will use this Bosign Portable 2-in-1 Tablet Holder & Travel Pillow from now on.

Where to buy:

The Bosign Portable 2-in-1 Tablet Holder & Travel Pillow is available at MobileFun.com

MobileFun.com is a leading online retailer of mobile and tablet accessories based in UK. They offer wide range of products to accessorize your mobile phones and tablets, and many more.

Unexpected Places To Travel To For Your Sweet Tooth

When it comes to organizing a trip, there are many factors you take into consideration. For example, what landmarks are situated in the local area. And what the weather is like at the time you want to travel. But for some people, food is at the top of their list. After all, traveling means you get to experience lots of new tastes and flavors that will tickle your tastebuds. And the diet can go out the window when you are on your holiday! However, a lot of people are left perplexed when deciding where to go on vacation for great grub. Therefore, here are some unexpected places to travel to for your sweet tooth.

Thailand

Millions of people head to Thailand every year for their travels. And while it’s most known for its lively capital Bangkok and it’s wealth of beautiful temples, the food is also pretty impressive. And in particular, the desserts will leave your mouth watering. Khanom Krok is one you need to try. The crispy coconut cups come with a range of toppings and are consumed piping hot. Also, bua loy is another treat which will tickle your fancy. The steamed taro with sticky rice balls are smooth and soft. You will find them at restaurants and markets alike. And you will also find a wealth of jelly type desserts. For example, Luk Chub and Woon Bai Toey are both satisfying desserts you will want to try.

Singapore

While you might know Singapore for its rich culture and history, food is also another reason why you will want to visit the country. With influences from Thai, Chinese, and Indian, the food is delicious to try. And if you want to please your sweet tooth, you will want to visit one of the many bakeries and cake stores in Singapore selling delicious treats like coconut buns and cheesecakes. For example, you ought to head for a cheesecake at the Cat and Fiddle. In fact, you can find out more about them at www.catandthefiddle.com. Or you might want to go and try a donut which the locals tend to enjoy at breakfast time. And don’t forget to try their peanut brittle which is to die for.

There are many reasons why people flock to the city that never sleeps every year. For one thing, the landmarks like the Statue of Liberty are to be seen at last once in your lifetime. And you might love to go and watch a play on Broadway. But food is often not one of the top reasons why people go to the city. But it should be on the top of your list. After all, there are dessert shops a plenty in the heart of the city that you will want to try. You can enjoy huge sundaes which are full of delicious sweet treats. Just look on http://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/ to discover some of the delicious treats that you can find in the city. And don’t forget to head to Brooklyn and Queens too as there are some delicious dessert shops you will want to visit.

14 February 2017

Deciding on a Vacation Destination

(Photo credit: Steve Richey/unsplash.com)

Do you want to take that special someone on a getaway that she will never forget? If this is the case, there are certainly many places that you can go. However, you should put some effort into your decision. Doing some planning in advance will make it much more likely that your vacation will turn out to be a smashing success.

There are a number of factors that you need to consider. Obviously, every vacation destination has its own set of variables that will become part of the equation. However, there are a few considerations that should remain constant regardless of where you are planning to go.

Here are some helpful hints that you can utilize during your quest to find the perfect place to take your vacation.

1. Will there be a lot of tourists?

People go on vacation for different reasons. For example, many people like to see famous landmarks and other tourist attractions that have a great historical significance. However, there are other people who do not want to deal with the large crowds that are inevitable when you go to see popular tourist attractions. These people simply want to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. What type of vacation are you looking to have? Knowing the answer to this question will make it much easier for you to find the ideal location for you and your significant other to enjoy.

2. Do you want to take your vacation in an area that is surrounded by nature?

Are you someone who enjoys nature and all of the beauty that goes along with it? There are obviously some vacation destinations that will provide you with a much greater nature experience than others. For example, Beavers Bend cabin lodging is in a scenic area that is peaceful and quiet.

3. What activities will be available to you during your stay?

You might be an avid skier. You might enjoy kayaking occasionally. You need to verify in advance that these activities will be available before you book any reservations. Get a complete list of all the activities that the vacation destination has available. These should be listed on their website. You can then determine if there will be enough activities to keep you occupied while you are there. If not, look for a place that has the activities that you are interested in doing.

10 February 2017

If you travel a lot, then you would know why having universal adapters is a necessity I had experience traveling to Europe without any universal adapter that would be usable in the region. So, when my phone's and camera's batteries depleted their charge, my family and I had to scour the nearby stores and even souvenir shops to find one at night. And in Europe, shops close a bit early that the ones here in Dubai. Aside from finding one a bit late, I also had to pay around € 7 for one adapter. Lesson learned the hard way...

What I like:

Portable and lightweight

It is compatible with my iPhone and iPad (iOS is very fussy and sometimes won't take other chargers aside from the original one that came with the iPhone) and it was instantly recognized by my phone and tablet when I plugged them.

*It is indeed a fast charger. I plugged my mini iPad at 37% battery life with other apps running in the background and not switching it to Flight Mode (it charges faster in Flight Mode - trivia!) and in less than a minute, it is already up by 3%!

The adapters fasten securely to the "base."

The adapters can be used in more than 150 countries, thus making it the perfect universal adapter charger to carry along.

Note:
* Not all mobiles and tablets or other gadgets will have the same structure. Some may mot be built to allow "fast charging" mode.

What I don't like:

Nothing. I like this Olixar Ultimate Mains Universal Fast Charger & Travel Adapters a lot and it will be very usable for my travels.

07 February 2017

Must Haves When Traveling Abroad

The preparation of traveling can become a nightmare when not planned properly to some who are just starting to get the feel of traveling. There are plenty of things to consider before packing your bags, and actually going. If you are less experienced, then the list below will certainly help you get on the right track on what you must have when you take that trip abroad. And for the seasoned traveler, it will be good to keep these things in mind as new items may come up that is not in your previous list to help you take that wonderful trip abroad stress-free!

Travel documents

(Photo credit: Alex Robert/unsplash.com)

This is on top of your travel must-have list. Your travel documents consist of your passport, visa (when required), air ticket, hotel/tours booking confirmation vouchers, travel insurance, and some copies of your debit/credit cards and passport just for precautionary measures. And why is it important to carry spare copies of your travel documents? Nobody wants to lose any of his or her important travel documents in a foreign land. It is best to have extra copies kept in your locked luggage.

Laptop Backpack with many compartments for gaming accessories

For you to be a complete travel blogger like myself, carrying a laptop computer with you is necessary. As much as you can accomplish some assignments with smartphones, others are better on laptops. The same applies to a traveler who like gaming.

For instance, if you are a professional gamer, you will need your laptop, other gaming accessories and a source of internet to access gaming sites such as, internet casino sites and video game sites. Most casino games are better played on a laptop computer though sites such as casino.com have dedicated android and iPhone apps.

Power banks, universal chargers and plugs

These are things that you should not go without, as buying adaptors abroad can be costly. I remember paying €7 for a single electrical adaptor because I didn’t bring mine.

A power bank will also come handy when your gadget’s power is depleting and have no ready access to an electrical outlet.

Toiletries

Pack only travel-sized bottles of your shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other bath and body products. Bring enough that will last the whole duration of your stay as most of the hotels abroad have free toiletries for their guests.

Debit and Credit cards

Cash is the universal way of paying for the goods and services provided to you here and abroad. However, you may want to keep at least one credit card and a debit card (usually tied to your savings account) intended for your travels.

I do not usually carry too many cash on hand because most establishments abroad like souvenir shops and restaurants accept credit and debit card payments.

Pen and notepad

(Photo credit: Dariusz Sankowski/unsplash.com)

For travel bloggers like myself, I always carry a pen and a small journal notebook to write down my thoughts about the place and the distinctive details I have to remember when writing my travel posts.

For most travelers, having a journal and a pen at the ready is a good way to document their travels and write down all the important details, names of places, good places to eat, price of souvenirs and other local goods, and other tips they can share to others upon their return.

Medication

Carry some vitamins to supplement your diet while on the go. If you are taking regular medication for your condition, then it is advisable to bring enough to cover the entire trip and some extras for unexpected delays or cancellations of trips. If you have kids along, also bring small first aid kit and medication for colds and stomach flu.

Neck Pillow

Whether is it a short flight or the ultra long one, carry a neck pillow to make sleeping in the flight, or train a bearable and comfortable one. A neck pillow also help prevent neck aches that can dampen your vacation.

Camera/Smart phone with GPS app

Taking a trip abroad is not complete without a camera and a smart phone that has GPS apps installed. Your camera will be highly used taking scenic vistas and capturing beautiful memories each day in your foreign adventure.

(Photo credit: Mpho Mojapelo/unsplash.com)

You smartphone can also act as your interactive map without the need to carry paper copies of maps and brochures. I always carry my smartphone with me, rather than flyers upon flyers of maps and brochures because they are cumbersome to carry around in your bag. Before leaving for my trip, I always download interactive map of the city I am going to visit. It lessens toting papers around which adds extra weight.

Zip lock bags

You will never know how handy these zip lock bags in various sizes will be until you need one. I always carry few zip lock bags with me. I use the smaller size to keep all our passports, cards, and other travel documents in one place and moisture-proof too.

The other zip lock bags can be used to store snacks and other toiletries so they do not mess up your bag.

Spare laundry bag or trash bag

I like everything in order and that includes soiled clothes and undergarments. Carry spare jute bags or trash bag, neatly folded inside your luggage that you can use later on to store dirty clothes and underwear.

Small tri-fold umbrella/foldable light raincoat or poncho

Any of the items I have mentioned above will be highly required during excursions, hiking or even on biking escapades. Check the weather forecast on the country you are visiting to ensure that you have the right accessory to help you stay dry during outdoor activities.

This list is important to help you on your travel planning and organization so you do not encounter any hassles during your vacation.